An online forum for information from CVSD Superintendent Gerald Huesken, Ed.D.
This week, we return to our series on Gov. Corbett’s proposals and education funding in general. As with our other two guests (here and here), the state pension system is top of mind for our school board president, Mr. Daryl Stoltzfus.
There has been much talk about the pension issue, and I was thinking about picking a different subject. However, I have enjoyed reading the different viewpoints on this particular issue so I guess I will stay on topic. Read the rest of this entry »
I wanted to take a week break from our series on the state budget to host a timely guest blogger. CV public relations/grant writing specialist Adam Aurand penned a column in the Lancaster Chamber of Commerce & Industry’s April newsletter (see page 5) on “The Benefits of Business-Education Partnerships.” The piece, reprinted below, outlines the ways in which Conestoga Valley is a leader in pursuing alternative revenues and community partnerships.
A paradox of these economic times is that the perceived “value” of education has never been greater—or more controversial. Politicians prod schools to transform curriculum and prepare students for the “jobs of tomorrow,” while many employers report a dearth of job applicants with the skills they need to hire today.
Lapp Electric’s partnership with Conestoga Valley School District is an example of how local businesses can work with schools to develop a workforce with the skills needed for a modern economy. Read the rest of this entry »
The state Legislature is working on crafting the state’s 2013-14 budget, and education funding is as uncertain as ever. This blog is hosting different perspectives on Gov. Corbett’s proposals and education funding in general. Today, I welcome Kim Seldomridge, CV’s director of administrative services, for his view on Pennsylvania’s pension crisis.
There are many issues that one could focus on concerning the Pennsylvania State Employees Retirement System (PSERS). However, before we do this I want to make one thing perfectly clear: This is a state issue. Local School Boards have zero control over how much or how little the school district contributes into the system. Anyone who wants to voice their opinion or influence the outcome must talk to their state legislators. They are the only ones who can make changes to the pension system for school district employees. Read the rest of this entry »
The state Legislature is getting to work on crafting the state’s 2013-14 budget, and education funding is as uncertain as ever. Over the next few weeks, this blog will host different perspectives on Gov. Corbett’s proposals and education funding in general. Today, I welcome eighth-grade science teacher Kerry Mulvihill, president of the CV Education Association, to offer a teacher’s view.
Like Dr. Huesken, I also appreciate Gov. Corbett’s willingness to tackle big issues. I also agree with our superintendent’s concern that at this point, his budget address creates more uncertainty in funding than we have seen in a long time. Read the rest of this entry »
The few sparse snow flurries that fluttered by the district office this morning made Friday a snowier day than Wednesday. The March 6 “snowstorm” that forecasters said would bring half a foot or more of snow to our area never materialized. Wits are calling it the “fauxstorm” of 2013, but our missed day of school will require a very real make-up day. I want to clarify our decisions.
The March 6 “snow day” will be made up on Wednesday, June 5 and the professional collaboration day for teachers will now be moved to June 6. The projected graduation date for seniors will not be impacted at this time. Read the rest of this entry »
He has not called for advice, but it appears President Obama is taking a page out of Conestoga Valley’s playbook in promoting early childhood education initiatives in his State of the Union address last month. However, the subsequent debate over preschool is troubling. Read the rest of this entry »
March 2013 – Conestoga Valley students are having outstanding success in writing, posting, by far, the best proficiency scores in Lancaster County. In this podcast, I reflect on this success and the ongoing importance of communications skills in the 21st century.
When it comes to education, the buzz in political circles these days is “STEM”—science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Gov. Corbett proposed new funding for STEM initiatives in his annual budget address, and in his State of the Union speech, President Obama called for rewarding high schools for high-tech curriculum.
Without question, these programs are critical for 21st century students. But the English teacher in me hopes that we do not lose sight of one of civilization’s most important skills—writing! Read the rest of this entry »
Gov. Corbett made the biggest splash with last week’s budget address since his first one in 2011. That year, he announced his administration would not replace the federal stimulus dollars that were funding education, costing Pennsylvania schools $1 billion in 2011-12. This year, it’s privatization and pensions. Read the rest of this entry »
Governor Corbett gives his annual budget address tomorrow, but his proposals are already generating buzz across the Commonwealth. Speaking at Hempfield High School, Education Secretary Ron Tomalis hinted that school officials would be “pleased” with the governor’s spending plan.
Now we know why: The governor is offering schools an anticipated $1 billion in revenues generated by privatizing liquor business in the state. My concern is that education is a political bargaining chip in this process. Read the rest of this entry »